graduation tassel rules


Graduation tassel rules typically involve wearing the tassel on the right side of the mortarboard cap at the beginning of the ceremony. After receiving the diploma, graduates move it to the left side to symbolize the completion of their degree. Tassel colors often represent specific fields of study, honors, or institutions—for example, gold for high honors or colors like blue for education or green for medicine. These rules can vary by school, country, or event, so it's best to check with the specific institution for exact guidelines.





before and after graduation graduation tassel side


In graduation ceremonies, the tassel on a cap is traditionally worn on the right side before the official conferral of the degree, symbolizing the student status. After graduation, the tassel is moved to the left side to represent the completion of studies and the transition to graduate status. This custom varies by institution and culture but is common in many English-speaking countries.





why do you move your tassel from right to left


The tradition of moving the graduation tassel from the right side to the left during a ceremony symbolizes the completion of your academic studies and your official transition from student to graduate. This custom is common in many educational systems, particularly in the United States, and dates back to academic traditions in Europe.





graduation tassel side doctorate


For doctoral graduations in English-speaking traditions, such as in the United States, the tassel on the graduation cap is typically worn on the left side throughout the ceremony. This differs from bachelor's degrees, where the tassel often starts on the right and is moved to the left upon conferral. However, practices can vary by institution or country. Tassel colors for doctorates are usually gold or discipline-specific, but the side remains a symbolic element of academic achievement.





graduation cap tassel


A graduation cap tassel is a decorative cord or string attached to the top of a mortarboard cap, commonly worn during academic graduation ceremonies. It is typically made of silk, rayon, or synthetic materials and hangs from a button or loop on the cap. Tassels often come in specific colors that represent the wearer's degree, field of study, or institution—such as gold for business or blue for education. During the ceremony, the tassel is traditionally flipped from one side of the cap to the other, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. This custom varies by country and institution but is a widespread tradition in English-speaking educational systems.





how to wear graduation cap tassel


Wear the tassel attached to the button on the top of your graduation cap, positioning it to hang on the right side at the start of the ceremony. For most traditions, move it to the left side after receiving your diploma or being conferred your degree. Ensure the cap is worn flat on your head with the mortarboard parallel to the ground.





turning the tassel at graduation


Turning the tassel at graduation is a symbolic tradition in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where graduates wear a mortarboard cap with a dangling tassel. During the ceremony, the tassel is typically worn on the right side at the start and then moved to the left side after receiving a diploma or at a designated moment, signifying the completion of studies and the official transition to graduate status. This custom originated from academic regalia practices in European universities and has become a widespread rite of passage in modern graduations.





graduation cap tassel color meaning


The color of a graduation cap tassel typically represents the wearer's field of study or degree type, though meanings can vary by institution, country, or specific school traditions. Common tassel color meanings include:

Black for arts, humanities, or general studies; blue for philosophy, education, or sometimes nursing; gold or yellow for science, engineering, or business; green for medicine or pharmacy; orange for engineering or industrial arts; purple for law or jurisprudence; red for journalism, theology, or social sciences; white for arts and letters or liberal arts; and pink for music or fine arts. Always check with the specific university for exact interpretations, as customs differ.